"Alone we can do so little; together we can do so much."

We have incredible news to share! As of today, after 8 years as tenants at 374 North Beach Road, the Orcas Community Resource Center has officially purchased our building.

This milestone means the services our neighbors rely on—housing support, healthcare navigation, food access, and financial literacy—now have a permanent home on Orcas Island, secured for generations to come.

This achievement strengthens the work you make possible. 

Your generosity, trust, and belief in our mission brought us to this moment. Whether you've donated, volunteered your time, or simply shared our work with others, you are part of this story.

In 2025, your support helped provide more than 15,000 services to 750 island households—63 meaningful connections every single day. 

Owning our building ensures we can continue showing up for our community, today and far into the future.

Thank you for walking this journey with us. Your partnership transforms lives, and we are deeply grateful. Read the full story HERE!

On Orcas Island, aging doesn’t mean facing life’s transitions alone. The Orcas Community Resource Center continues to be a lifeline for seniors navigating complex systems—from Social Security to medical care. With a dignity-first approach, the Resource Center offers personalized support that reflects the island’s deep commitment to equity and care.

Building Financial Confidence

Understanding that managing finances in retirement comes with unique challenges, the Resource Center is developing a new segment of financial literacy tailored specifically to seniors. Focusing on practical topics like maximizing fixed income, managing medical costs, avoiding scams, and staying financially resilient later in life, the goal is to help seniors strengthen financial independence. 

Guidance Through Social Security and Life Transitions

Applying for Social Security retirement benefits, Supplemental Security Income (SSI), or Disability claims can be overwhelming. The Resource Center provides one-on-one assistance to help residents understand eligibility, gather documentation, and complete applications. 

Utility Assistance

No senior should have to choose between heating and groceries. The Resource Center helps eligible residents apply for utility assistance, ensuring safe and warm homes year-round. Community partner programs such as LIHEAP (Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program), Weatherization, Project Pal, and OPALCO’s monthly Energy Assistance Credit help stretch fixed incomes.

Dignity in Daily Living

Located within the Resource Center, Coates Cabinet hygiene bank operates Tuesdays from 12-4pm offering free personal care products and cleaning supplies. More than providing household essentials, the program also promotes comfort, cleanliness and confidence.

Health and Medical Navigation

The Resource Center helps seniors manage their health with confidence. For those needing off-island care, they help find providers, coordinate medical transportation and lodging, and complete medical financial assistance applications. The goal is simple: reduce barriers so seniors can focus on health & longevity.

A Community That Cares

The Resource Center’s senior support is rooted in relationships. Staff listen deeply, honor lived experience and co-create solutions that reflect each person’s goals. Whether it’s a widow seeking connection, a veteran applying for benefits, or a couple facing a sudden health crisis, the Resource Center meets people where they are—with empathy, expertise, and respect. Seniors and their families are encouraged to reach out!

Thanks to supporters like you, we're providing tools for long-term stability. Our upcoming Orcas Talks Money seminars deliver practical knowledge that helps neighbors manage today and plan for tomorrow—open to all if you’d like to see your impact in action.

March 3rd 5:30pm @ the Orcas Public Library - Spending & Saving Workshop 

Practice tracking your income and expenses and workshop ways to increase income and decrease expenses. Gain an understanding of why saving is important. Come away with a personalized spending and saving plan.

March 17th 5:30pm @ the Orcas Public Library - Raise Your Score 

Find out what factors impact your score the most, and how to get and review your credit reports and scores. Understand and improve your credit score.

March 31st 5:30pm @ the Orcas Public Library - Protecting Your Money 

Participate in workshops where you will plan to protect against fraud and identity theft. Learn about modern scams, how to prepare for financial disasters, and how to insure against catastrophic losses.

April 22nd 1pm @ the Orcas Senior Center - Smart Money Strategies for Seniors 

Learn how financial estate planning can build stability for your family. Find ways to trim and manage expenses to meet your budget on a fixed income. Explore powerful savings programs and public benefits that help older adults remain stable and protected.

April 28th 5:30pm @ the Orcas Public Library - Planning For Long Term Goals 

Explore why productive asset-building strategies can improve your financial stability and benefit your community. Find out productive ways to build investment-grade assets like stocks, bonds, and real estate. Relate these assets to their relationship with liabilities like loans and credit.

Learn more about the scope of our Financial Literacy services HERE. Questions? Reach out to the Resource Center at info@orcascrc.org or 360-376-3184.

There's something special about what happens when a community decides to show up for itself. That's exactly what is at the heart of the San Juan Community Health Network — neighbors, providers, and organizations across our islands coming together to make sure everyone has access to the health care they need and deserve. Working across sectors and islands to improve access to health services for everyone in San Juan County — that’s the mission driving this collaborative effort.

How It All Started

It started right here on Orcas. A community gathering at the local library planted the seed — and what grew from that room full of passionate, committed people has blossomed into something truly exciting. The San Juan Community Health Network has expanded from that conversation into a countywide effort bringing together EMS services, primary care providers, hospital districts, resource centers, and community organizations from across all of the islands.

Most recently, on April 2nd, around 100 community members gathered in Friday Harbor for a day of high-level strategic planning. Through facilitated work sessions, participants worked together to identify as many health access needs as possible and brainstorm real, practical ways to meet them. It was one of those days that reminds you just how much is possible when people come together with open hearts and a shared purpose.

What the Network Is All About

At its core, the San Juan Community Health Network exists to make sure that your zip code, income, or insurance status never determines the quality of care you receive. The Network brings partners together across sectors and islands to connect, share what's working, and build real solutions to real challenges.

It is currently funded through North Sound Accountable Communities of Health via a grant held by the Orcas Island Health Care District, and it works hand in hand with the County's Community Health Improvement Planning process. Dedicated project management ensures that workgroup efforts move forward rather than competing with partners' existing responsibilities — allowing everyone to contribute meaningfully without overwhelming their day-to-day work.

Three Big Focus Areas

Through community listening and careful assessment, three key areas have risen to the top:

• Transportation — getting to and from medical care is a genuine barrier on our islands. Ferry schedules, travel costs, and limited options can mean delayed or missed care, and the Network is working to change that.
• Care Coordination — making sure no one falls through the cracks as they move between providers, specialists, and support services. Everyone deserves a smooth, supported experience.
• Insurance Access and Navigation — helping community members understand and access the coverage they're entitled to, because cost should never be the reason someone goes without care.

Get Involved

The Network is made up of workgroups where community partners dig into each of these focus areas together — and there's always room for more voices at the table. A fall convening is planned to celebrate progress and look ahead to what's next. The Network is actively seeking community investment to sustain this vital work beyond September 2026. For more information contact project manager: trilliums@orcashealth.org.

At the Resource Center, we are proud to be part of this growing effort. Because when our islands come together around health, everyone benefits.

Communities nationwide — including here on Orcas — are bracing for potential disruptions as the government shutdown extends beyond October 31st. At stake are critical federal nutrition programs such as SNAP and WIC, alongside healthcare challenges including limited insurance marketplace options in San Juan County and rising premium costs with higher deductibles. These resources form a lifeline for numerous island families, enabling parents, seniors, and working households to maintain adequate nutrition and access necessary medical care.

Bridging the Support Gap

The Orcas Community Resource Center (OCRC) is committed to ensuring food security remains stable for our community, and we're taking proactive steps to assist affected households. The most impactful way you can help is by contributing to our year end appeal, which will generate critical funding to support island residents through the remainder of 2025. You can donate HERE.

Our Action Plan

OCRC remains steadfast in ensuring community members have consistent access to nutritious food now and moving forward. We're actively advocating for programs and policies that benefit our island. Organizations throughout San Juan County have united to prepare for the potential suspension of SNAP benefits beginning Saturday, November 1, 2025. Food Banks, Resource Centers, Community Foundations, and County public health teams are working in collaboration to align food access initiatives and bolster community support systems.

OCRC's Specific Commitments Include:

• Connecting directly with WIC and SNAP recipients to assess and meet their nutritional needs
• Leveraging community contributions to provide grocery gift cards for qualifying households, preventing food insecurity
• Assisting those facing insurance loss or substantial premium increases in securing additional resources to manage household expenses
• Developing creative solutions through our county-wide collaborative network

Through collective action, we can provide tangible support — guaranteeing that during this holiday season, every Orcas household enjoys nourishing meals and connection. This season of generosity reminds us that our commitment to caring for one another never wavers. Thank you Orcas Island for consistently demonstrating the true meaning of community.

The Orcas Community Resource Center is recruiting volunteers for its upcoming season of Financial Literacy programming, inviting community members to help fellow islanders build skills, confidence, and stability around money.

This fall marks the return of Orcas Money Smart, the Resource Center’s flagship seven-month financial literacy program. Through classes and one-on-one support, participants work on practical topics such as budgeting, banking, credit, housing, and goal-setting. Volunteer mentors play a key role by encouraging participants and helping them stay focused on personalized SMART goals over time.

The Resource Center also offers Orcas Talks Money, a series of free stand-alone workshops on specific financial topics. Participants may attend individual sessions or the full series. Free, confidential one-on-one financial counseling is also available year-round for individuals working toward goals such as reducing debt, building savings, or planning for the future.

There are several ways for community members to get involved:

Mentors: Support Orcas Money Smart participants through seven months of classes and one-on-one meetings.

Expert Instructors: Lead 1–4 workshops per year in their area of knowledge, with opportunities for additional sessions.

Guest Speakers: Share practical insight on topics such as debt management, asset building, Social Security, and navigating financial life.

The Resource Center especially encourages volunteers with backgrounds in banking, finance, education, or related fields, while also welcoming community members who have successfully managed their own finances and want to share what they’ve learned. No formal professional background is required. Training and support are provided for all volunteer roles, and most volunteers commit approximately 2–4 hours per month, depending on the position. The Orcas Money Smart Program begins on October 5, 2026, and volunteers can sign up here at orcascrcfinance.org/volunteer.

“Volunteer mentors are the heart of our Financial Literacy program. They bring patience, consistency, and genuine care — and that connection is often what helps participants stick with their goals. If you've ever wanted to give back in a way that really sticks, this is it.”—Elisabeth Britt, Financial Literacy Specialist

“Money can be an emotional topic, and mentoring requires strong listening, honesty, and trust. But those conversations often lead to real insight and life-changing action. The joy is seeing people realize they have more control over their future than they thought — and start taking steps to claim it.”—Brett Lensing, Financial Literacy Volunteer Mentor

The Resource Center has also launched its new Financial Literacy website, orcascrcfinance.org, where community members can learn about programs, view upcoming workshops, access financial education resources, find information about one-on-one counseling, and explore volunteer opportunities.

Access to justice should not depend on where you live or how much money you make. The Orcas Community Resource Center is proud to partner with Skagit Legal Aid to bring free civil legal services directly to Orcas Island every other month. 

For many residents, accessing legal help off-island can be nearly impossible due to transportation barriers, ferry costs, work schedules, childcare needs, the cost of private legal representation, and the overwhelming nature of navigating legal systems alone. This partnership helps remove those barriers and brings critical support directly into the community.

Skagit Legal Aid provides free assistance for a wide range of civil legal matters, including:

• Housing and eviction prevention
• Family law and parenting plans
• Medical debt and collections
• Wills and healthcare directives
• Immigration support
• Post-conviction relief

Since 2021, Skagit Legal Aid has assisted over 200 San Juan County residents, with housing, wills and advance directives, and immigration representing the highest areas of need among low-income island residents. At their most recent Orcas clinic, they served five community members in a single day — support that could easily represent thousands of dollars in legal assistance that many families could not otherwise afford.

The impact extends far beyond dollars. Civil legal aid helps prevent evictions, stabilize families in crisis, protect survivors, restore driver's licenses, secure immigration protections, and avoid situations that can spiral into homelessness, unemployment, and family instability.

We are deeply grateful to Skagit Legal Aid for bringing this vital service to Orcas Island and ensuring our neighbors are not navigating complex legal systems alone. Learn more at orcascrc.org/other-services.